The Impact of AI on Careers: Creating New Professional Avenues

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is redefining the professional landscape, ushering in a wave of transformative career opportunities. Unlike most technological advancements, AI's influence extends beyond mere automation. What sets AI apart from many other technological advancements is the profound impact it's having on how individuals perceive and navigate their careers. Unlike previous emerging technologies, AI introduces a palpable shift in the very nature of work.

The Rise of the Novice Coder

A prime example of AI's transformative potential in the workplace can be found in the emergence of the "novice coder".? For years now, companies have been motivating employees to become citizen developers and take it upon themselves to construct software and enhance productivity.

• Take the story of the 36-year-old building maintenance supervisor at a large infrastruture operator. Thanks to AI, he has created over 20 software programs that the company actively uses for tasks like faculty onboarding and transaction tracking. What's remarkable is that he achieved this without being a traditional developer. His secret weapon was Microsoft's Power Platform, an AI-assisted, no-code platform designed for individuals who aren't coders by trade. It enables them to build software applications to fill gaps in their work processes or to address specific challenges. This technology empowers those who lack coding skills to become software creators in their own right, bridging the gap between their needs and the technology required to fulfill them.
• Companies like Toyota have encouraged their employees to utilize Microsoft Power Apps for enhancing operations within Logistics and various other domains. Power Apps now play a pivotal role in addressing deficiencies not covered by enterprise software providers. The demand for digital solutions is only growing, as the more SaaS services are deployed, the more the gaps become that need to be closed. ?

Expanding Beyond Novice Coding

Low-Code and No-Code platforms like Microsoft's Power Platform are just one illustration of AI's influence in enabling non-coders to become creators. It is being adopted in various sectors, with corporate finance and human resources being notable examples. This synergy between automated coding and natural language processing is a potent mix. However, it's not about replacing software engineers. Instead, it's about incorporating coding into various facets of daily life and engaging more individuals in this transformative journey.

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The Emergence of AI Engineers

AI's impact on careers doesn't stop at citizen developers and novice coding. It has given rise to a new category of professionals known as AI Engineers. These individuals specialize in the application of AI solutions rather than being primarily focused on building the underlying AI models.

Their primary focus lies in integrating applications, effectively deploying these tools in various business settings, enabling individuals and businesses to utilize them efficiently. This integration serves as a bridge between the old world and the emerging new AI-driven world.

The demand for AI Engineers is rapidly growing, and they play a pivotal role in translating AI advancements into tangible products. An interesting facet is that you don't necessarily need a Ph.D. to excel in this role. AI Engineers act as the bridge between AI researchers and traditional software engineers, emphasizing the practical application of AI tech.

We need people who are grounded in real-world business problems, and who can speak and solve with AI to usher solutions into organizations.

The Birth of AI Operations

Furthermore, the surge of AI in the professional world is giving birth to a new field known as AI Operations (AiOps). This field is dedicated to integrating AI into business systems, improving operational efficiency and effectiveness. AI Operations professionals are essential for driving AI literacy, implementing AI solutions, and managing AI efforts within organizations. This role demands a profound understanding of real-world business challenges and the ability to effectively employ AI to address them.

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Takeaways

The emergence of AI Engineers and AI Operations experts signals an ongoing transformation of the professional landscape. As AI tech continues to evolve and proliferate, these roles are poised to become some of the most sought-after positions in the job market. What sets AI apart is its unique capabilities, such as natural language processing (NLP), which shifts the focus from traditional machine learning (ML) to these specialized AI roles.

AI isn't merely changing how we work but also the kinds of careers available. From novice coders using AI to fill the gaps in their work to AI Engineers who specialize in the practical application of AI solutions, and AI Operations professionals who serve as the linchpin between AI and traditional business operations, the professional world is experiencing a profound transformation. This shift is creating new opportunities for individuals who can harness the power of AI to shape the future of work. The integration of AI into various aspects of daily life is just beginning, and it promises to be a defining feature of the future job market.

#ai #genai #generativeai #aiops #llm #nocode #innovation #strategy

Sources

• Semafor 10/23, Reed Albergotti, The rise of the novice coder: Can AI turn every employee into a developer?
• The AI Breakdown 10/23, Nathaniel Whittemore, AI Operations and AI Engineer
• Latent Space 06/23, SWYX, The Rise of the AI Engineer
• The AI Exchange 07/23, Defining AI Operations
• Own Research